Perceptive business professionals know that networking leads to referral business. Networking requires a bit of practice and finesse, but if done correctly, networking can be an invaluable part of your marketing strategy. Here are six business networking tips that will help you develop great business relationships.

1. Business networking is about forming strong relationships built on mutual respect and trust. The goal is not to meet as many people as possible but to make high quality business connections.

2. Always be open, friendly and interested in the business owners and sales professionals that you meet.

3. Networking is all about reciprocity, building, and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships. Always try to give more than you receive.

4. Open up your network to others and they will follow suit and do the same for you. By sharing, you will help others and in turn, others will help you.

5. When people give you referrals your actions are a reflection on them so follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals, you are given. Always keep the referrer up to date on the referral and send a thank you note.

6. Always, phone or email your new business contacts and let them know that you enjoyed meeting them.

Happy and Prosperous Networking

Gold Place Network

Business networking organizations are a great way to meet other business owners and potential clients. Do not stop your search at the local Chamber of Commerce. There are many business-networking organizations out there and one may be perfect for you. Here are just a few places to consider starting your networking efforts:

• Professional Associations are a powerful source for contacts. Join the professional association of your target market. Participate in the organization, always be helpful and before you know it, you will become known as the “go-to” person in your industry.
• Then there are the specialty business networking organizations:
• Minority business owners associations
• IT related business organizations
• The ICCA, Independent Computer Consultants Association
• International Association of Microsoft Certified Partners for Microsoft certified partners and there many more.
• Go to your favorite search engine and type in your city or town and the term “business networking events”, “business networks”, “leads groups” or “referral groups”.
• Review the business section of your local community newspaper. Watch for mentions of business networking organizations in your community. Often they list upcoming business events.
• Leads Groups are structured networking organizations usually limited to one person per occupation. The purpose is primarily to exchange business referrals. Ask around for a good group in your area.
• Workshops and Seminars can be wonderful networking opportunities, especially the ones that run over several days. Take advantage of the interactive exercises and the breaks to get to know other participants. Staying in touch after the event is over is the key in deepening those relationships.
• Do something good for others while creating lasting relationships with your volunteer colleagues. Knock people’s socks off with what you do, as a volunteer and it will give people an indication of how you conduct your business. This will make you incredibly attractive to potential referral partners in the group.
• Chamber of Commerce–Check out the networking opportunities that your local Chamber of Commerce offers. Use them as a resource for finding other networking events in your community.
• Subscribe to a business journal in your area.
• Visit government offices, business assistance officers, and economic development offices and ask for referrals to business networking organizations.
• Ask the reference librarian the names of some good business networking organizations in the area.
• Ask everyone you know whether they know of an appropriate business networking organization you could join.
• Look at Business Referral Networks to get leads on business networking organizations.
• Do not forget civic organizations. They are not business networking organizations per se but many business owners are members. Some popular ones are Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions.

Networking Events in New York City

Event Description:

Sponsor: Gold Place Network LLC

Event Fee: 10.99

Date: 10-15-08

Time 6:00 PM

Location: 545 Eighth Avenue

Suite 18NE

New York, NY 10018

Between 37th and 38th Streets

Register: Here

Make new contacts! Promote you event industry products & services! Develop business networks! Share resources!

Build business relationships with other event industry professionals while exchanging leads, referrals and business tips. Networking is a valuable and cost effective way to build your business.

Agenda

1. Registration

2. Two Minute Commercials

3. Open Networking

We will have tables for you to display your business information so bring plenty of business cards and brochures. We will also mail out the attendee list after the event.

Networking is one of the most important marketing tools you can have in your toolbox. The ability to connect with people is essential to success in any business. Professional networking events present opportunities to interact with others on a personal level and to develop profitable relationships.

Here are some common businesses networking strategies you can use when you attend business networking events:

Set a networking goal before you attend any networking event.

Decide how many new contacts you want to make.

Specifically target individuals whom you would like to know.

Come up with some icebreakers or conversation starters.

Have questions prepared that you can ask anyone you meet at the event.

Introduce yourself and start a conversation. Make new connections by talking to people that you do not know.

Prepare your self-introduction in advance

You will not introduce yourself the same way on every occasion.

Let people know who you are, why you are there and give them a reason to ask more about you.

Get into the habit of asking people what they do first and do not let a conversation die when they give you a job description. Encourage them to talk about what they do and prompt for the problems they face in doing it – especially the problems that you can solve.